auflegen
to hang up
To end a phone call by placing the receiver back on the cradle or pressing the corresponding button.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde wütend und hat einfach aufgelegt.
He got angry and simply hung up.
auflegen
to hang up / put on / launch
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
auflegen
to put on
To put something onto a surface, often carefully or for a specific purpose.
EXAMPLE
Der Kellner legte die saubere Tischdecke auf.
The waiter put on the clean tablecloth.
auflegen
to DJ
To play music as a DJ in a club, at a party, or on the radio.
EXAMPLE
Welcher DJ legt heute Abend im Club auf?
Which DJ is DJing at the club tonight?
auflegen
to launch
To start or publish a program, a fund, or a new edition of a book.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung hat ein neues Förderprogramm für Start-ups aufgelegt.
The government has launched a new funding program for start-ups.
auflegen
to apply
To apply makeup, powder, or lipstick to the face.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Ausgehen legt sie immer etwas Lippenstift auf.
Before going out, she always applies a little lipstick.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auflegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der DJ legt gleich seine besten Platten auf.
The DJ is about to put on his best records.
Distinguishing meanings
The meaning of 'auflegen' depends strongly on the object. The context makes clear whether you are ending a phone call, working as a DJ, launching a program, or putting something onto a surface.
EXAMPLE
Er legte wütend auf.
He hung up angrily.
Use without an object
In the meaning 'ein Telefongespräch beenden' (to end a phone call), 'auflegen' is often used without an object when it is clear from context that it is about a phone call.
EXAMPLE
Sprich lauter, leg noch nicht auf!
Speak louder, don't hang up yet!
Colloquial use
When someone 'auflegt' (DJs), in the context of parties or clubs, it means that this person is playing music as a DJ. This meaning is rather colloquial.
EXAMPLE
Am Freitag legt eine bekannte DJane aus Berlin auf.
On Friday, a well-known female DJ from Berlin is DJing.
Abstract use
In a more formal, often economic or political context, 'auflegen' means to initiate something. Typical objects are 'ein Programm' (a program), 'einen Fonds' (a fund), or 'eine Anleihe' (a bond).
EXAMPLE
Die Bank hat einen neuen Fonds für nachhaltige Investitionen aufgelegt.
The bank has launched a new fund for sustainable investments.
Use for cosmetics
In connection with cosmetics, 'auflegen' means the same as 'auftragen' (to apply). It is often used for powder, blush, or lipstick.
EXAMPLE
Sie legte vor dem Spiegel noch schnell etwas Puder auf.
She quickly applied a little powder in front of the mirror.
Compare with
spielenveröffentlichenstartenbeendeneinrichtenherausgebenabbrechenvorlegenaufhängenauftragenabspielen
auflegen vs spielen
to play
Both words can refer to playing music in a club or at a party. „Spielen“ generally says that music is being played or performed. „Auflegen“ is more specific and refers to a DJ’s activity of selecting and playing music for the audience. „Auflegen“ is therefore especially suitable for the activity of a DJ.
auflegen
Der DJ legt heute Abend Musik in demselben kleinen Club auf.
The DJ is playing music at the same small club this evening.
spielen
Die Band spielt heute Abend Musik in einem kleinen Club.
The band is playing music at a small club this evening.
In real life
Loading video examples...